The Givers, a content production company, recently announced that their CEO, Ahn Sung Il, was found not guilty by police regarding charges of document forgery. These charges were brought by Keena, a member of the K-pop group FIFTY FIFTY.
On May 29, The Givers stated that the police investigation found the documents in question were properly registered with the Copyright Association and that Ahn Sung Il had comprehensive authority to sign them.
The Gangnam Police Station stated in the decision not to indict that
They investigated the authority to create the alleged forged document and whether it was indeed forged, as claimed by the complainant, and confirmed that it was registered with the Copyright Association without any illegalities. Furthermore, considering that The Givers had signed a service contract with ATTRAKT and was recognized as having overall responsibility for FIFTY FIFTY’s music activities, it is reasonable to conclude that the complainant had broadly delegated document signing authority to the accused party.
They also mentioned that a cross-examination during the investigation didn’t find any direct evidence of forgery or any harm caused. The Givers sees this decision as a confirmation of their stance against what they call “distorted claims.”
However, FIFTY FIFTY’s agency, ATTRAKT, quickly responded, claiming they have recorded evidence that contradicts the police’s decision. The label says,
The released recording captures CEO Ahn Sung Il telling Keena in their conversation, ‘Your signature wasn’t done by you, was it?‘ To this, Keena replies, ‘Yes.’ CEO Ahn also directly mentioned the circumstances of the signature’s use regarding this part, stating, ‘We submitted the registration documents to the copyright association, and if the signature becomes an issue, it becomes our problem.‘
ATTRAKT finds it puzzling that the police decided not to prosecute, given what they say is evidence of Ahn Sung Il’s awareness of the signature issue.
FIFTY FIFTY’s agency further stated
Furthermore, this case is a serious crime where clear deception and usurpation of rights were committed against a rookie artist who did not have sufficient information about copyright, therefore, we state that we will continue to respond to correct the truth and protect the artist’s rights.
This disagreement suggests that the legal issues between the companies are far from over.
Meanwhile, FIFTY FIFTY’s original lineup dissolved due to a complex legal battle with their agency, ATTRAKT. Ahn Sung Il, CEO of production company The Givers, played a central, controversial role. Accused by ATTRAKT of attempting to poach the members and improperly acquiring “Cupid” copyrights, Ahn Sung Il was simultaneously sued by the label and is now producing music for the three former members’ new group, “ablume,” amidst ongoing litigation.
